How to Crochet a Bow- Perfect for Wreaths, Hair & Decor
The Ivy Bow – Free Crochet Pattern (Small Size)
There’s a special kind of magic in a handmade bow — the softness, the movement, the lacework that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The Ivy Bow was designed to bring a little heirloom charm into your home, whether you’re tying it onto a Christmas wreath, styling a child’s bedroom, topping a gift, or wearing it as a sweet accessory.
This post includes the full written instructions for the SMALL size only — this is the pink bow in the photos.
The ad-free PDF pattern includes all three sizes (small, medium & large), a clean printable layout, video tutorial links, and instructional photos to make the pattern easier to follow.
👉 Download the full ad-free Ivy Bow PDF (all 3 sizes)
Make a Cotswold Wreath
If you’d like to use your Ivy Bow on a beautiful handmade wreath, I’ve put together a full step-by-step guide showing exactly how I make my classic Cotswold country wreaths. It’s simple, natural, and absolutely stunning with this bow added at the end.
You can find the full wreath tutorial here:
Materials
- 4.0MM (U.S. G-6) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
- DK yarn
- Stitch markers
- Approximate yarn needed for Small size: 118m / 130yds / ~40g
Gauge
The Ivy Bow pattern is designed with DK weight yarn, giving it a delicate and classic look, however it is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to experiment with different yarn weights to create a bow that’s uniquely yours.
Just keep in mind that using a thicker or thinner yarn will change the finished size.
A chunkier yarn will give you a bigger, cosier bow while a finer yarn will create a more petite and delicate version.
Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms)
CH – chain stitch
DC – double crochet
SC – single crochet
SK – skip
SL ST – slip stitch
SP – space
ST / STS – stitch(es)
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
The Ivy Bow – Small Size Pattern (Pink Bow)
Bow Body & Tails
Follow the colour that corresponds to the small size.
Ch 128
Place a st marker in every 50th st to keep track
Row 1 (RS)
keep stitches nice and loose for the first 2 rows
Sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch to the end of the row, turn
Total stitches: 127
Row 2 (WS)
Ch1 (does not count as a st), sc in each st across the row, turn
Total stitches: 127
Row 3 (RS)
Ch3 (counts as a dc st), dc/ch1/dc/dc in the first st, sk 2 sts, sc in the next st, sk 2 sts,
2dc/ch1/2dc/ch1/2dc in the next st, sk 2 sts, sc in the next st, sk 2 sts,
Repeat from * to the last st, 2dc/ch1/2dc in the last st, turn
Total shells: 22
The half shells at the beginning and end are included in the total shell count.
Row 4 (WS)
Ch1 (does not count as a st), sc in the first st, ch3 & sk 4 sts, dc/ch1/dc in the next st, ch3 & sk 4 sts,
sc between the 3rd & 4th dc of the shell in previous row, ch3 & sk 4 sts, dc/ch1/dc in the next st,
ch3 & sk 4 sts,
Repeat from * to the last st, place a sc between the last dc and the ch3, turn
Total v-stitches: 21
Row 5 (RS)
Ch1 (does not count as a st), sc in the first st,
*Sk the next 4 sts, 2dc/ch1/2dc/ch1/2dc in the ch sp, sk the next 4 sts, sc in the next st,
repeat from* to the end of the row, turn
Total shells: 21
Row 6 (WS)
Ch4 (counts as dc & ch1), dc in the first st, ch3 & sk 4 sts, sc between the 3rd & 4th dc of the shell in previous row,
ch3 & sk 4 sts, dc/ch1/dc in the next st, ch3 & sk 4 sts, sc between the 3rd & 4th dc of the shell in previous row
Repeat from * to the last 5 sts, ch3 & sk 4 sts, dc/ch1/dc in the next last st, turn
Total v-stitches: 22
The v-stitches at the beginning and end are included in the total v-stitch count.
Row 7 (RS)
Ch3 (counts as a dc), dc/ch1/2dc into the ch sp, sk 4 sts, sc into next st,
Sk 4 sts, 2dc/ch1/2dc/ch1/2dc in the ch sp, sk 4 sts, sc in the next st,
Repeat from * to the last 6 sts, sk 4 sts, 2dc/ch1/2dc in the sp beneath the ch4 from previous row, turn
Total shells: 22
The half shells at the beginning and end are included.
Row 8 (WS)
(Same as row 4)
Total v-stitches: 21
Row 9 (RS)
(Same as row 5)
Total shells: 21
Break yarn.
Centre Knot
Ch10
Row 1
Sc in the 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across the row, turn
Row 2
Ch1, sc in each st across the row, turn
Repeat row 2 until you complete a total of 21 rows
Last row
Fold the rectangle in half so you are working into the last and first row
Sl st into the first and last row at the same time to join the ends together
Break yarn, turn the centre knot so that the seam is on the inside
Finishing
Weave in all ends before completing the bow.
Mark the 5th shell from either end, these will form the tails of the bow.
From each stitch marker, count toward the center until you reach the middle shell — place a marker there.
Fold the outer marked shells towards the middle shell and cross over at the back.
Slide the centre knot over one of the tails and then over one folded loop towards the middle of the bow to secure.
Get the Full Ad-Free Pattern (All Sizes)
If you loved making the small Ivy Bow, the full PDF includes:
- Small, Medium & Large sizes
- Clean printable layout
- Linked video tutorials
- Photo help
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